An exhilarating look at stock car racing can be found in Netflix’s new “NASCAR: Full Speed” series that was released on Jan. 30. The series provides viewers with a comfortable understanding of the drivers, groups and NASCAR’s rich history by counterbalancing exciting race films with convincing stories. The series provides a vivid experience for both long-time fans and those new to the sport. Exciting cinematography captures the power of the races, and the interviews add a touch of humanity, making it a must-watch for fans of motorsports.
Since childhood I’ve closely followed both F1 and NASCAR, so I was interested to see if “NASCAR: Full Speed” would copy other series about car racing. While there are similarities to other shows, they are not carbon copies of each other and that is a very positive thing.
If you are anything like me, you probably will assume that all the attention will be on NASCAR’s young stars, but this time, that isn’t the situation. Denny Hamlin appears to be the most convincing and conspicuous figure in the show, alongside getting the most broadcast attention. Until he is eliminated from the playoffs in the fourth episode, he is the series’ protagonist in many ways.
In case you are not aware, Denny Hamlin is not a fan favorite. Many harbor a deep dislike towards him. Some of these opinions are warranted, but others are just haters who see that hating him is a trend. Seeing him as a “protagonist” made me a bit surprised, but I definitely can see why.
Hamlin is also the team owner for two other featured drivers on the show — Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick — and is a serious contender to win the national championship. Maybe it’s also because Hamlin is willing to be so transparent and seems at ease saying things that other people won’t.
In contrast to the segment of NASCAR fans who dislike Hamlin more than any other driver, new viewers to the series who have never seen him before will likely be moved by his story and may even root for him. Furthermore, in the event that they could do without him, they could lean towards a driver like Ross Chastain, who is depicted as Hamlin’s foil.
“NASCAR: Full Speed” gradually sets the stage for how much a championship actually means to Hamlin and his family throughout the series. Denny’s father, who refers to him as his “heartbeat” in an interview, creates a more positive view of Hamlin.
Fans of NASCAR most likely know that Hamlin missed out on a title shot in 2023, and the show’s post-Martinsville scene with Hamlin is probably the most powerful. The series goes into detail on why that’s occurred. I won’t go into detail since the scenes are better than any written words — it’s well worth a watch.
For all that can be said, “NASCAR: Full Speed” takes viewers inside RVs and group haulers during the most vital snapshots of the end-of-season races. We’re with Joey Logano at Bristol Motor Speedway after he wrecks and powerlessly watches his end-of-season races get away. We’re inside Portage’s pre-Talladega meeting, begging the drivers to ensure one of their vehicles wins. We’re with Ryan Blaney’s present partner Gianna Tulio as she anxiously watches the Talladega race inside the couple’s transport.
To say that this series is good is an understatement. It’s great for everyone, from people who are into NASCAR already, people who want to learn more, people who are just curious, or even people who know nothing about NASCAR and just want to watch something! Of all the car series on Netflix, “NASCAR: Full Speed” is easily one of the best!
Rating: 4.5/5